Premier

Geelong Gets Festive For 2017 Pacing Cup

08 December 2017

Geelong Harness Racing Club is gearing up to celebrate its 2017 Pacing Cup this Saturday, 9 December, thanks to a joint funding package of $104,000 supported by the Andrews Labor Government.

The Labor Government is contributing more than $25,000 through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund to the night race and a further $13,000 for a range of upgrades to the club’s Beckley Park home.

The Group 3 Geelong Pacing Cup program is a high quality harness race meeting that provides the opportunity for local families, sports clubs and community groups to get together for end-of-year celebrations.

A wide range of offers and entertainment will be available to racegoers on the night, including discounted family tickets, live music from Gruven as well as face painting, a balloon artist and a petting zoo for children.

The evening’s proceedings will be hosted by harness racing personalities and form experts including Rob Auber, Jason Bonnington and Blake Redden.

Beckley Park will also benefit from several upgrades, including a new heating and cooling system for the club’s grandstand and a new head-on camera to improve vision on the home straight. The owners’ facilities will also be renovated and thermal imaging of the track’s electrics will ensure all lighting systems are working correctly.

The club is providing more than $26,000 towards its Cup meeting, while Harness Racing Victoria is contributing more than $24,000 to support the Cup and facility upgrades. The Victorian Harness Racing Sports Club is also providing almost $6,000 for the owners’ room renovations.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has provided almost $120,000 for five infrastructure projects and three race day events at Geelong.

The racing industry in the Barwon region generates more than $106 million for the Victorian economy annually and helps sustain more than 1050 full-time equivalent jobs in the region.

Quote attributable to Minister for Racing Martin Pakula

“We’re proud to support the Geelong Harness Racing Club because the racing industry is a vital part of Victoria’s economy and it creates thousands of local jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“The Geelong Pacing Cup is a great opportunity for local community groups, businesses and families to come together and celebrate the festive season.”

Quote attributable to Geelong Harness Racing Club President John Ballestrino

“We’re very appreciative of the support we’ve received from the Victorian Government for the Geelong Pacing Cup, which will be a fantastic start to the festive season.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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